Complete guide to specified work in Australia (for 2nd and 3rd WHVs)

Do you want to stay in Australia on a Working Holiday Visa (WHV) longer than one year? Good news! The Australian government offers the chance for you to apply for a second and third WHV. The catch, however, is that everyone (except British citizens) has to complete specified work to be eligible.

This guide will explain everything you need to know about specified work: the types of work that count, how to find a job in a specified industry, how to count the days worked and collect proof for your application, and answers to your frequently asked questions.

Introduction to specified work

The Australian government defines specified work as: “work that is undertaken in a specified industry and area of Australia”. Backpackers wanting to apply for second and third working holidays in Australia must complete a set amount of specified work to be eligible.

You have to complete a minimum of 88 days of specified work during your first year in Australia to be able to apply for the Second WHV. You have to complete a minimum of 179 days of specified work during your second year in Australia (or while on a bridging visa waiting for your Second WHV to be approved) to be able to apply for the Third WHV.

When determining if a job meets the specified work requirements, you must look at the listed industry, job duties, and the location of the job.

Since most working holiday makers complete their specified work on farms, you may often hear specified work referred to as ‘farm work’. However, farm work is not the only option (read on to the next chapter to learn more about the types of work that count). You may also hear specified work referred to as ‘the 88 days’.